Before I begin, I know this post may seem crazy to many of you, as so many people are not focused on the future of Cedar Point, as in 2013 they will receive the long awaited new Coaster, GateKeeper. But exactly a year ago now, everyone was excited and speculating on Cedar Point in 2013. Then, Cedar Point already had planned on getting GateKeeper in 2013. Now, the park already knows what they will receive in 2014, but speculation is so small, due to the focus on GateKeeper.

*Note: This post is JUST for speculation on what Cedar Point could receive in the future. We do not want to create rumors, we are just speculating the future of Cedar Point*

Based on the fact that Cedar Point is spending over $25 million dollars for GateKeeper in 2013, it is very rare that the park will add a new significant attraction in 2014. The park does receive something new each year, and will most likely add something new in the park, even if it is a small new restaurant, new kiddie ride, or small park improvements. In 2015 I expect Cedar Point to receive a new ride, particularly some Thrill Ride, or even a few new small flat family rides around the park. Back in May 2012, I thought Cedar Point would add in a new small Kiddie Coaster in the park, near the Planet Snoopy Section, to increase popularity in that area for kids. Hopefully the park still has plans like that in the future (particularly 2014-2016) to increase their Coaster count. However, I have a feeling that Cedar Points next "big" Coaster would occur in approximately 2016. It seems like the likely year. However, that year could move to 2017 if the park decides to add another family style Coaster before it adds in a new major Coaster. (Similar to how Knotts Berry Farm was rumored to add in a new major Giga Coaster in 2013, but decided to add in a family Wild Mouse Coaster instead, and their major Coaster project has been pushed back to 2015.) However, at the beginning of 2013, it is very hard to picture what exactly Cedar Point will add in future years. (Remember, this post is just speculation) Now, it is very had to decide what type of new Coaster Cedar Point would add in the future. Based on their huge Coaster collection now, Cedar Point does only have 2 true Wooden Coasters. One is regarded as one of the worst Wooden Coasters, due to its roughness (Mean Streak.) The other, is a classic family Wooden Coaster that does not gain as much attention as it should (Blue Streak). Cedar Point is regarded as the best Amusement Park in the World, and its Wooden Coasters are kind-of-lame. They should invest in a new Wooden Coaster that would change the parks Coaster collection, the park, and its skyline. Myself, along with most of the Coaster community, would love to see a refurbishment to Mean Streak by Rocky Mountain. However, it is somewhat unlikely as the park is currently working on a mult-year system to fix the Coaster, which has been going on for years, and it is improving the Coaster. More people are starting to enjoy the Coaster, and it is gaining popularity. After Mean Streak is gaining more positive reviews, and the park is putting this much work into the ride, it will be unlikely they will transform the Coaster into a Hybrid Coaster, similar to New Texas Giant, or Iron Rattler. A new Wooden Coaster by Rocky Mountain (like Outlaw Run) would be more likely, and awesome. A new GCI or Gravity Group Classic Woodie would fit perfectly on the coast of Lake Erie. However, my personal favorite addition would be a new Intamin Pre-Fab Coaster, like El Toro. El Toro is regarded as the best Wooden Coaster on the planet, but it is the only one of its kind in the United States. Why has not an Amusement Park added a sister Coaster to El Toro after its huge popularity and fame? If Cedar Point will not invest in an Intamin Pre-Fab Wooden Coaster, hopefully another Amusement Park would. Imagine Cedar Point, the best Amusement Park in the world, gaining one of the best Wooden Coasters. It would be amazing, and a great investment. During Coaster Mania 2011, Dick Kinzel HINTED that he himself rode El Toro, and thought it was fantastic. The location of Cedar Points next new Coaster would be interesting. The park is located on a peninsula, and land is very scarce and hard to find. They just removed 2 Coasters, and one ride, so a ride or Coaster removal is likely to happen. In 2011, there was a rumor that Cedar Points new Coaster would be located right next to Blue Streak and Raptor, where the former Dark Ride was, and where a few flat rides are located today. I am not sure if that area is still under consideration, or if it was regarded. Another few locations could be in Frontier Town, or another small spot along the shore line. Where ever the exact location will be, it is most likely it would occur in the middle section (around Top-Thrill Dragster and Magnum area) towards the back of the park, in Frontier Town (around Maverick and Mean Streak). The location would be here because they are currently remodeling the whole entrance and front of the park, and for the next Coaster would focus on other locations of the park.

That completes our speculation for Cedar Point for the future. We will have more news within the next few years. Thanks for reading! What do you think Cedar Point's next attraction will be?

It was relieved that in 2013, Six Flags Great Adventure will be transforming their current Wild Safari to a new attraction called Safari Off-Road Adventure. Now that this has been announced it is time to speculate what SFGA will receive in the future. It is still rumored that the park will receive a 400 foot + Drop Tower, attached to the support tower of the current Words tallest Coaster, Kingda Ka. When the rumor first surfaced, it was rumored to be added to the park in 2013, but now has been pushed back to at least 2014 or 2015. As I stated a few months ago, I would rather see a multi-launched Drop Tower as a nice themed attraction in the Movie Town section of the park, but it is looking like it will be attached to Kingda Ka. Now, if this does happen, there will have to be a clean path to the end of Kingda Ka. We proposed for the park to create a path between Kingda Ka and Rolling Thunder. As our Google Earth image below shows, there would be enough room to create this. However, during our VIP tour of Kingda Ka, we saw the back end of Kingda Ka crowded, as there were a lot of maintenance buildings. A few weeks ago, Screamscape reported a rumor that SFGA may opt to remove Rolling Thunder in the foreseeable future. If this does happen, a new pathway could be created to the back side of Kingda Ka. Then, they can add in the drop tower, as long as expand the park. A new themed section of the park could be created, along with new rides, and Coasters. (We have an anonymous source, that SFGA might add a red, hyper looping Coaster around the 'El Toro' section of the park.)

This photo shows the current area of Kingda Ka, Rolling Thunder, and El Toro.

If Rolling Thunder (The large white Wooden Coaster) is removed, the park will have a large area to expand. They will have room for a nice, clean parthway to the back of Kingda Ka, as long as area for a new themed section, with rides, Coasters, and more.

*Photo taken by Google Earth*

This is not guaranteed Rolling Thunder will be removed soon, or anytime soon. Remember, this is just a rumor. However, I am shocked I heard this rumor. I would have been glad hearing this rumor a few years ago, when the Coaster was out of shape. According to park management at Riding of the Bull Cuatro, the park has done much retracting and refurbishing to Rolling Thunder in the last year. The last time we rode it in September, it was the smoothest we ever rode the Coaster. Now, I will be upset to see the Coaster leave, as it is in great shape, and an icon to the park. SFGA has removed too many Coasters in its history, and should focus on adding more Coasters, and not removing them. I will be very frustrated and angry at SFGA. Time will tell and we will see what happens to Rolling Thunder in the future.

Below are some more photos we took during our VIP tour of Kingda Ka, showing the support tower, and the possible location for the Giga Drop Tower.

Also here is a new, updated possible 5 year plan for SFGA:2013: Safari Off-Road Adventure and possible removal of Rolling Thunder ?2014: Giga 400+ foot Drop Tower and part one of expansions2015: Part 2 of expansions and internal features and updates2016: New Coaster and final part of expansion2017-2018 and beyond: ?

*remember, these are just our ideas, and nothing is confirmed by the park!*As always, Thanks for reading!

Its been over a month since I last posted in our News/Rumor blog, and many people have been asking 'when will be the next post?' So here is another post!

(General Park Update: On September 20th, 2012, Windseeker at Knotts Berry Farm was stuck at the top of its 301 foot tower. Rides were stuck for over 3 hours before rescue. No injuries has been reported, but Cedar Fair has temporarily shut down all its Windseeker rides around the country until this situation is clear.)

Knotts - 2013 Back in June 2011, Screamscape reported a rumor that Knotts Berry Farm could possibly get an Intamin Giga Coaster. It was rumored to be a huge Coaster, and possibly one of the tallest on the planet. The rumor spreading rapidly, but by October 2011, the rumor vanished. It was not talked, and forgot about for almost a year, and then August 2012 it came back in full throttle. The original rumor of an Intamin Giga was back! However, it then changed to a smaller B&M Giga Coaster... Then, Knotts announced it will remove the epic flume ride, Perilous Plunge, in order for a 'new attraction.' The rumor then went to a smaller B&M Coaster, that could be placed where Perilous Plunge was located. Perilous Plunge has a tiny footprint, and it would be hard to fit a Giga Coaster in its location. Then. the latest rumor was then the New Coaster has been delayed even more, and Knotts will just receive a few flat rides in 2013... Flat rides are great at parks, but Knotts is losing competition to other parks in the area (SFMM, CGA, Universal, SWSD, Disney, and more.) Knotts really needs a new (good, intense) Coaster, with lots of thrills. Once again, another new rumor was reported that Knotts will receive a few flat rides, and now, a new Coaster. But not a huge Giga by Intamin, or B&M, but a smaller family Coaster, like a Wild Mouse. This is very disappointing, as the park already has a huge collection of family Coasters already (Timberline Twister, Pony Express, Sierra Sidewinder, and Jaguar.) So what will Knotts exactly get in 2013? None really knows at this point in time. There are too many rumors, and 'things are up in the air.' However, It doesn't look like Knotts will receive its long awaited Giga in 2013. If Knotts was going to receive it in 2013, construction would have started a while ago, as the construction will take almost one year. Hopefully the project has not been canceled, but just postponed. Knotts will probably receive just a few flat rides in 2013. If they do get a new family Coaster, hopefully it wont delay the Giga Coaster even more. It will look sad and pathetic seeing small rides and a family Coaster on the area where the almighty Perilous Plunge was located. Many update news about Knotts Berry Farm's 2013 mystery will come soon!

Knotts - 2014-2016 What could Knotts Berry Farm receive in 2014-2016. Hopefully they will receive the Giga Coaster soon. But, what else could the park get? Another rumor is that Knotts will re-track their Wooden Coaster, Ghost Rider. Their Wooden Coaster is already 14 years old, and is in need for some good re-tacking. It is rumored it would be done by Rocky Mountain, but it would probably just the addition of some topper track, and not an Iron Horse treatment. Nothing else is certain for the future of Knotts.

More news on Knotts Berry Farm's future attractions will be released soon! Stay tuned!

*Before you read this post, be sure to read our last Six Flags Great Adventure post* In two weeks from now, on August 30th, 2012, Six Flags will announce their 2013 investments for all their parks. There are a ton of rumors, some true, and some false. The latest rumor is that Six Flags Great Adventure will not receive its 400+ ft Drop Tower until 2014. So then, what will Six Flags Great Adventure receive 2013? We well officially find out in two weeks, but we will do some speculation now:

In 2012, SFGA received a large new flat ride, the SkyScreamer. After this, and the 2014 giga Drop Tower, SFGA will most likely not get a large flat ride in 2013. The latest rumor has it that the park will just receive internal improvements, in order to save some money for future projects. Some of this includes new shows, entertainment, a waterside, minor improvements, and even a Safari Upgrade. The largest will defiantly be the Safari upgrade. It is not sure if SFGA will make a small upgrade to it, expand it, or totally revamp it. I can not reveal my secret source, but I know that SFGA is very interested into turning their Drive-through Wild Safari into a guided tour safari, much similar to Disney's Animal Kingdoms' Kilimanjaro Safari. If this happens, the project could cost millions and millions of dollars, on the work, the new expensive trucks, upkeep, and GAS for the trucks. The amount of money in gas for the trucks will be a lot. SFGA will also most likely make it an up charge attraction, where you will have to pay extra money to ride it. Also, the Drive-through Wild Safari attraction could be totally removed, for the new guided tour. But, what happens if it does happen, and the new project does not click with the general public, and people want back the original Drive-through Safari? SFGA will go into a big hole, loose millions of dollars, and loose one of their greatest attractions. Then the park could be set back a few years, and it might take even longer for a new Coaster, and Drop Tower to be added to the park. If in fact they go this route, i hope the outcome will be better than Kilimanjaro Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

This is an Ariel picture that shows Six Flags Great Adventure.

The red circle shows all of the land of the Wild Safari.

The blue circle shows the actual 'Amusement park' section.

Notice how the Wild Safari is much bigger than the ride park at Six Flags Great Adventure

(Photo taken by Google Earth)

If this Safari Upgrade/Expansion does happen, where will it be located? It could just go where the entrance where the current Wild Safari is now, but then the new project will be outside the park, and not inside it as a ride attraction. So where could the entrance be inside the park? One possible location inside the park is near the location of the possible Drop Tower for SFGA, on the Kindgda Ka tower structure. If this is the location for the Drop Tower, SFGA will need to add a new pathway, from the entrance of Kingda Ka, past the launched track section, to the support tower structure. This is right next to the exit of the current Wild Safari. The park can expand the park, and use the current Wild Safari exit building and area to have a new entrance. This could be a park of a 'two year expansion plan' to add a park expansion.

This is a current ariel picture of Six Flags Great Adventure

(Photo taken by Google Earth)

The yellow circle shows the current fort stadium.

The purple circle shows the location of Bizarro.

The green line shows a possible new pathway for the park.

The blue 'X' shows where the Drop Tower would be placed on Kingda Ka's support tower.

The red circle shows the current exit of the Wild Safari, and possible entrance are for the new Safari Upgrade.

(Photo taken by Google Earth)

Another location could be in the Frontier Adventures section of the park, near Bizarro. There is a rumor that Bizarro (the worlds first B&M Floorless Coaster) could be removed from the park, and be placed at another Six Flags park. The rumor firs came up in January 2012, saying that Bizarro could be removed, and be replaced by a new B&M Wing Rider Coaster. This spread like wild fire over the Internet, and then the rumor disappeared, as it was proven to most likely be 'false'. Now there is a rumor that Bizarro could be removed for this Safari Expansion. Bizarro is in a good location for this because it is next to the Wild Safari. It also is loosing popularity over all the other Coasters in the park, and being in a bad location, being isolated in the park. However, This most likely will not happen. I would HATE seeing SFGA loose another Coaster. Also, The park would have announced the removal, and we would have seen survey markers, and 'bigger' rumors. However, anything could happen. Finally, one more possible location is the fort entertainment stadium. It is located right next to Bizarro. The park could take that stadium out, because it's hardly ever used, and use that as the entrance to the new Safari. Or, the stadium could be used as a new show, part of a possible new entertainment package for 2013.

Also, here is a Possible 5 year plan for Six Flags Great Adventure:2013: Safari Upgrade/Internal improvements2014: Giga 400+ Drop Tower2015-2017: New Coaster/Movie Town park expansion/more

We will find out the truth on Six Flags Great Adventures 2013 investment on August 30th, 2012!What do you think SFGA will receive in the future?

*Note: The following post is still not even a rumor. This is just a speculation on the following topic!*

On July 22nd, 2012 we visited Six Flags New England. That day we rode the Cyclone, one of the Wooden Coasters at Six Flags New England. This great Wooden Coaster is located next to the Flashback (Boomerang Coaster). When we rode it that day, I began to wonder 'What will the future of Six Flags New England's Cyclone be?' Cyclone is a old, rough Wooden Coaster, which was created in 1983 by William Cobb. Over the years Six Flags did some work to improve the ride. The most recent was in 2011, Cyclone did receive some Topper Track from Rocky Mountain. It did make some sections more smooth. However, in a few years from now, Six Flags will need to do some more serious work to the Coaster. One possible solution is, the Cyclone at SFNE might just receive more Topper Track from Rocky Mountain. Then the original ride will remain the same, and the Topper Track will make the Wooden Coaster smooth. Another solution is the Cyclone receiving a total make-over and it will receive Iron Horse track. It will be similar to the New Texas Giant at Six Flags Over Texas, and the Rattler at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. However IF Cyclone receives Iron Horse treatment from Rocky Mountain it probably will not occur to at least 2014-2016, or even later. In 2013, Six Flags New England will most likely receive a Star Flyer attraction, so it defiantly wont happen in 2013. Also, before Cyclone gets its modification, I would rather see Six Flags New England get its Water Park expansion, and recieve a new Coaster.*Remember these are just our ideas, and nothing is official. This might NEVER happen to the Cyclone at SFNE.*

Later in the day (after riding my 245th Coaster, Goliath) I thought it was silly having two Vekoma Boomerangs next to each other. I figured that sometime in the next few years, there is a possibility that Flashback (one of Six Flags New England's Boomerang Coasters) could be removed from the park. Then hopefully another Six Flags park could take this Coaster. This would make sense, because there have been rumors that Flashback (along with the Mind Eraser Coaster) could possibly be removed.IF Flashback gets removed, what will replace it? In May 2012, I did guess on what could replace Flashback in the future. Now, I am wondering IF Flashback gets removed, and IF Cyclone receives Iron Horse track, then the Cyclone can expand its ride area, and take control of the area where Flashback was. This does make sense. Cyclone is a very compact Wooden Coaster, and IF it receives an extreme makeover, it will need more room to expand its ride. It will be hard for SFNE to make over Cyclone with only its space it has now.

This is an areal picture showing the current layout of the Cyclone Wooden Coaster, and the two Boomerang Coasters, Flashback and Goliath.

(Photo taken from Google Earth)

This is an areal picture showing all the room Six Flags New England would have to expand the Cyclone, IF Flashback is removed.

(Photo taken from Google Earth)

As you can see, IF Flashback is removed, Cyclone will have a lot more room to expand.

This picture shows the Cyclone at SFNE, as well as one of the parks Boomerang Coasters, the Flashback.

Yesterday, Kings Island has announced that it will remove the Son of Beast Wooden Coaster. After much evaluation, the park has decided it will remove the troubled Coaster. Son of Beast opened on May 26th, 2000. When it opened, it broke 7 world records, including tallest, fastest, largest, and only looping Wooden Coaster. The ginormous Wooden Coaster was 218 feet tall, 7032 feet long, with a drop of 214 feet reaching speeds of 78.4 miles per hour. Son of Beast was a very troubled Coaster and had many problems while it was in operation. On Sunday July 9th, 2006, a structural failure occurred on the ride. At 4:45 pm, a support beam on the ride broke and sent 27 people to the hospital. Luckily, no one was serious injured. The Coaster remained SBNO from July 10, 2006 to July 3, 2007. During its down time, the park removed the Coasters loop. The Coaster then operated normally until June 16, 2009. A women claimed she broken a blood vessel in her head, after riding Son of Beast on May 31, 2009. The park then did a full evaluation on the Coaster and found no problems with it. Many people (including myself) think that she was just making up the story. Nevertheless, for safety and lawsuit reasons, Kings Island has left the Coaster SBNO for the last three years...

Nevertheless, Kings Island will be removing the troubled Coaster. After talking to many park reps after the announcement, they seemed like they did explore many options to save the Coaster. It seemed like they were very involved in thinking about repairing the ride. For the last three years, there has been a ton of rumors on what will Kings Island do with the Coaster. Some rumors said Cedar Fair would remove the Coaster, just re-track the Coaster, and even hire many companies (Gravity Group, Intamin, Rocky Mountain) to modify the Coaster. (You can read the whole story over at Screamscape) Many people are not shocked that the park is going to remove Son of Beast. The Coaster had a ton of problems, and a over 4 lawsuits, it would be just easier to remove the Coaster and start from scratch. When the Son of Beast is fully removed, Kings Island has plans to expand the park. It is now unknown what exactly will replace the Coaster, but it seems like it wont just be 'one attraction.' Son of Beast takes up a lot of room, and Kings Island will most likely make a new section of the park, with many new rides, attractions, and Coasters. What ever replaces Son of Beast, it will be much better than a troubled Wooden Coaster.

This is an areal photo of Son of Beast at Kings Island.

As you can see, the Wooden Coaster took up a lot of space, and Kings Island will have a lot of room to expand the park.

(Photo taken from Google Earth)

Thanks for reading! Expect deconstruction to begin in late summer, and several months for the Coaster to be fully removed. What is your reaction to the announcement that Son of Beast will be removed from Kings Island?